Megan Follows Net Worth

Megan Follows: A Look at Her Net Worth and Illustrious Career

Introduction: The Enduring Appeal of Megan Follows

Megan Follows is a celebrated actress known for her captivating performances on both the big and small screens. With a career spanning several decades, she has become a household name, particularly for her iconic portrayal of Anne Shirley in the “Anne of Green Gables” adaptations. Beyond this beloved role, Follows has showcased her versatility in a wide range of projects, from historical dramas to contemporary series, solidifying her status as a respected and accomplished actress. Her net worth reflects her successful career and enduring popularity. Currently, Megan Follows’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million, a testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft.

Early Life and Family: A Theatrical Heritage

Born on March 14, 1968, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Megan Follows entered the world as the youngest of four children. Her parents, Dawn Greenhalgh and Ted Follows, were both actors, providing a natural entry point into the world of performance for Megan and her siblings. Her siblings, Edwina, Laurence, and Samantha, also pursued careers in the entertainment industry, creating a family deeply rooted in the arts. This familial influence undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping her early aspirations and fostering her passion for acting.

Career Beginnings: From Commercials to Critical Acclaim

Follows embarked on her acting journey at a young age, appearing in a commercial for Bell Canada at the age of nine. This early exposure sparked a career that would soon take flight. She gained experience through guest roles on Canadian television shows such as “Matt and Jenny,” “The Baxters,” and “The Littlest Hobo,” honing her skills and gaining valuable on-set experience. Follows also explored short films, with appearances in “The Olden Days Coat” (1981) and “Boys and Girls” (1983), the latter of which earned an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. In 1984, she starred in the Canadian television film “Hockey Night” and appeared on the short-lived CBS sitcom “Domestic Life,” demonstrating her ability to transition between different formats and genres.

Anne of Green Gables: The Role That Defined a Generation

The year 1985 marked a pivotal moment in Megan Follows’ career with her breakthrough role as Anne Shirley in the television film adaptation of “Anne of Green Gables.” This role, which she won over 3,000 other young actresses, catapulted her to international fame. The film was a massive success, receiving critical acclaim and numerous awards, including several Gemini Awards and an Emmy Award. Follows reprised her role in “Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel” (1987), which was equally well-received, earning her further recognition, including a Gemini Award. She continued her portrayal of Anne Shirley in “Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story” (2000). Although she did not portray Anne in the fourth film, “Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning” (2008), the impact of her initial performance remains a cornerstone of her legacy. Barbara Hershey took over the role of Anne Shirley in the fourth film.

Further Television Career: Diverse Roles and Recurring Characters

Following the success of the “Anne of Green Gables” films, Follows continued to build a diverse and impressive television resume. She appeared in an episode of “The Ray Bradbury Theater” in 1988. In 1991, she starred alongside David Soul and David Morse in the NBC television film “Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann.” Follows showcased her versatility by taking on roles in various genres, including the short-lived CBS show “Second Chances.” She continued to make guest appearances in popular series like “The Outer Limits” and “Murder, She Wrote.” A notable collaboration came with Amanda Plummer in the television film “Under the Piano.”

In the 21st century, Follows maintained a consistent presence on television. She appeared in an episode of “ER” and starred in the Hallmark television film “Plainsong” (2004) and the CBC television film “Shania: A Life in Eight Albums” (2005). A particularly memorable role was as the mother in the television film “Booky Makes Her Mark” (2006), based on the book by Bernice Thurman Hunter, and reprised the role in the sequels “Booky and the Secret Santa” and “Booky’s Crush.”

From 2009 to 2021, Follows played the recurring character Lily Borden in the Canadian series “Heartland,” also directing several episodes. During this period, she made guest appearances on popular shows such as “Brothers and Sisters,” “House,” “Hollywood Heights,” and “Longmire,” and appeared in the miniseries “World Without End.” Her most significant television role during this time was as Catherine de’ Medici in the historical romantic drama series “Reign” (2013-2017). She starred alongside Adelaide Kane, Torrance Coombs, Celina Sinden, and Toby Regbo, captivating audiences with her portrayal of the powerful Florentine noblewoman. Following “Reign,” Follows took on the role of the mother of the titular character in the supernatural Western horror series “Wynonna Earp,” which ran for four seasons until 2021.

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Film Career: Expanding Horizons in Cinema

Alongside her television work, Megan Follows has made significant contributions to the film industry. In the same year as “Anne of Green Gables,” she made her big-screen debut in the horror film “Silver Bullet,” based on the Stephen King novella “Cycle of the Werewolf.” She shared the screen with Corey Haim, Everett McGill, and Gary Busey. She also provided the voice of Clara Stahlbaum in the animated fantasy film “The Nutcracker Prince” (1990), displaying her versatility as a voice actress. Her film credits also include the 2004 Christian film “Christmas Child” and the 2007 comedy “Breakfast with Scot,” further demonstrating her range as an actress.

Stage Career: A Passion for Live Performance

Megan Follows has also established a strong presence in the theater world, demonstrating her commitment to live performance. In 1988, she began her stage career with a role in a Toronto production of “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds.” She took on the role of Juliet in two productions of “Romeo and Juliet” in the early 1990s. Her stage credits also include “A Doll’s House,” “Othello,” “Uncle Vanya,” “Top Girls,” “Fool for Love,” “The Real Thing,” and “‘night, Mother.” Her frequent collaborations with her mother and siblings on stage reflect her strong family ties and her passion for the art of acting.

Personal Life: Relationships and Family

In 1991, Megan Follows married Christopher Porter, a gaffer and photographer. The couple had two children, Lyla and Russell, before divorcing in 1996. She later entered into a relationship with actor Stuart Hughes, which lasted until 2010. While maintaining a degree of privacy regarding her personal life, Follows has consistently balanced her professional commitments with her role as a mother.

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Conclusion: The Legacy of Megan Follows

Megan Follows’s career has been marked by versatility, talent, and enduring appeal. From her breakout role as Anne Shirley to her diverse roles in television, film, and theater, she has consistently captivated audiences. With a net worth that reflects her success and a legacy as one of the most recognizable actresses of her generation, Megan Follows continues to inspire and entertain. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to embody a wide range of characters have solidified her place in the pantheon of respected actresses.